Transitioning from Education to Practice: Associate Degree Program, Senior Clinical at a Skilled Nursing Facility, a Pilot Program

Over the last 4 years, there has been a shift in where associated degree registered nurses (ADNs) are being employed. There has been an increase of ADN graduates employed at skilled nursing facilities on a local, regional, and national level in the United States. Graduate surveys from the last 4 years demonstrate that the number of our graduates working at the skilled/subacute nursing facilities had increased to 33%-37% from 10%-15% and had decreased at the acute care facilities to 18%-21% from 35%-40%. The faculty felt we needed to modify our clinical teaching to enhance the knowledge and preparation of the graduates. A pilot program was developed by the nursing faculty in collaboration with the nursing staff at a skilled/subacute nursing facility to help the graduates transition into these facilities. The pilot program utilized the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education core nursing competencies and the nursing process. The intent of the partnership program was to promote learning in an environment where graduates will seek future employment and provide safe and quality care to the residents.